Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to either the smooth allure of linear switches or the satisfying feedback of tactile switches. The Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, is celebrated for its ultra-smooth keystrokes, produced using the latest molds from Huano, resulting in a balanced sound profile that strikes an ideal middle ground—neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant. This makes it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience, especially during gaming or prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback, featuring a substantial 70g bump that delivers an immersive resistance and a captivating "thocky" sound, providing both engagement and satisfaction with every keystroke. While both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, your choice largely depends on whether you value smoothness or tactile feedback in your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches, notable distinctions and similarities emerge. The Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK top housing, which is renowned for its low coefficient of friction and remarkable durability, being 14 times stronger than POM. This is complemented by its enhanced shock resistance, which gives the switch a smooth and clacky feel while typing. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch features a nylon top housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both housings aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, the POK material leans towards a smoother operation, whereas the nylon contributes to a more subdued auditory response.
Delving deeper into their bottom housings reveals interesting parallels. Both the Strawberry Latte and the WS Heavy Tactile switches meld their respective nylon bottom housings, which are celebrated for their acoustic properties. The nylon's inherent softness absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a more rounded and muted acoustic signature. Since the bottoms of both switches are made from nylon, they share the same deep and rich sound profile, meaning users can expect a similar auditory experience when bottoming out keys, regardless of the differences in their top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of distinct top and uniform bottom housings in the two switches allows for a unique yet balanced typing experience. While the Strawberry Latte's POK top contributes to a smoother action, the WS Heavy Tactile’s nylon top offers a more classic sound. However, with both switches sharing the same nylon bottom, users can expect a consistent and satisfying bottom-out experience across both models—the POK and nylon top materials each enhance different aspects of the switches while maintaining a cohesive foundational auditory experience.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch present distinct characteristics in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as the lower resistance can help reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch comes with a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This medium-heavy profile provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer tactile feedback and a stronger push when typing. Therefore, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, while the WS Heavy Tactile is the heavier choice, making them suitable for different user preferences when it comes to keyboard feel and endurance.
Travel distance
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that when pressing these switches, you'll experience a more significant depth with the Strawberry Latte, which can be preferable for users who appreciate a heartier feel in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile switch allows for quicker actuation, making it a better option for gamers seeking faster response times. For those who enjoy a more immediate and snappy typing experience, the tactile nature of the WS Heavy Tactile combined with its reduced travel distance might suit their needs well. Ultimately, if you're looking for a deeper, more deliberate keystroke, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be the better choice, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offers a more responsive alternative.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch presents a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it suitable for users who prefer a moderate auditory feedback. This creates a pleasant typing experience that’s not distracting in a shared workspace. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is characterized by a captivating "thocky" sound produced by its nylon housing. This switch delivers a more pronounced audio experience, often described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback that can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a lively typing sound.
When considering feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a super smooth action, thanks to the latest molds used by Huano, which likely contributes to a pleasant and seamless keystroke experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a profound tactile sensation with its 70g bump, making it feel more immersive and engaging. It’s designed to be accented and bouncy, providing an invigorating feedback that is both snappy and sharp. This makes the tactile experience of the WS Heavy Tactile distinct with a more vigorous actuation compared to the fluidity of the Strawberry Latte.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences, offering unique auditory and tactile experiences. If you are drawn to a balanced sound and smooth feel, the Strawberry Latte may be your best bet. However, if you prefer a robust tactile feedback paired with a pronounced and engaging sound, the WS Heavy Tactile could be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what qualities you prioritize in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch depends largely on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a lighter key feel and a smoother typing experience that minimizes fatigue during long sessions, the Strawberry Latte is your go-to option. Its balanced sound profile strikes a good compromise, making it suitable for both quiet environments and settings where a bit of character is welcomed. On the other hand, if you crave a more tactile and immersive experience with pronounced feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch will likely satisfy your needs. With its heavier bottom-out force and the distinctive "thocky" sound, it provides an engaging and delightful tactile moment that can make typing feel more rewarding and intentional. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer smoother key presses for speed and comfort or a heavier, more tactile response that enhances your typing engagement.